The Department of Student Affairs supports the mission of Stephen F. Austin State University with the development of programs and services geared toward enhancing student learning, involvement, retention and civic responsibility. This is accomplished by providing a slate of programs and services designed to engage students in many phases of their development and interests,including entertainment programming, leadership development, social awareness, and global understanding.

The Department strongly supports the culture and traditions of the university and promoting a healthy level of school spirit and pride. Student Affairs contributes to a greater understanding of diversity by providing programs, services and events which highlight the diverse talents of our students, a greater understanding of our world and a development of collaborative programming. They strive to educate students on a myriad of topics focusing on leadership, personal responsibility, and risk management. The goal of Student Affairs is to evaluate progress through direct assessment of students’ ability to acquire, understand, and utilize knowledge to make transformative progress.

“The impact that our donors and friends make on this university and its students is immeasurable. About half of SFA’s graduates are the first person in their families to earn a college diploma. That brings with it special challenges. Through gifts like the Ed and Gwen Cole Student Success Center, we are better able to meet those challenges. For the students themselves, the result of a college diploma is life altering. It may in some cases reverse generations of poverty and change the fortunes of generations to come.”